Tumakuru, Oct. 9 -- Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over his participation in the protest demanding cancellation of SIR and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Questioning the Chief Minister's move, Somanna said, "Sir, how is it appropriate for you to sit there as the Chief Minister? As the head of the state's administrative machinery, what kind of precedent does it set for you to go and sit there yourself?"

Referring to the Chief Electoral Officer's clarification on Form 6 and Form 7, he said the officer has explained the difficulties involved in deleting a voter's name versus the ease of adding one.

"Through you, I make this appeal:...